4 reasons why it’s time for the Minnesota Vikings to panic

(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Kirk Cousins
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Kirk Cousins /
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(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) Armon Watts /

Minnesota is giving up 6.1 yards-per-play

It’s not just the offense that is failing to produce the goods for the Minnesota Vikings. Their defense has also not met targets so far and there is plenty to suggest things might get worse before they get better.

This has been a real area of strength for the Vikings under Mike Zimmer. But there have been some substantial changes across the board that has altered the landscape of this unit, at least in the short-term.

They are also without the services of stud pass-rusher Danielle Hunter, which has only highlighted just how important he is to Minnesota’s success. The Vikings’ defense has just two sacks on the year, with one of those coming from cornerback Holton Hill.

That is a damning verdict on the defensive line’s production over the last fortnight. Minnesota is giving up an average of 6.1 yards-per-play over two games and you aren’t going to win many games with this sort of statistic.

Zimmer prides himself on defensive toughness, so he will be hurting more than most regarding their current level of performance. It isn’t good enough and the players are all-too-aware of that. But turning it around in a short space of time might be easier said than done.